Ramaphosa Tests Positive for Covid-19, Lockdown Discussions Eyed This Week

LOCAL NEWS

• Ramaphosa tests positive for Covid-19 on Sunday - reports show he is receiving treatment for mild symptoms, while the rest of the Cabinet is being tested. Cases rose to 18,035/day over the weekend with 21 new deaths and a positivity rate of 28.9%.
  • Experts say the hospitalization rate has been less aggressive than previous waves. The cost of covid PCR tests was also reduced to R500/test
• Health Min Phaahla says SA could avoid Christmas lockdowns – but only if citizens “stay put” and observe all Covid-19 protocols. says the data is “promising”, but hospitalisations are only factor considered when advising on lockdown restrictions, with a lot of input coming from health authorities.
  • This will be discussed “in a matter of days” by the NCCC when a clearer picture of SA’s festive Covid situation will be available.
  • However, right now, indications are that there may be room to work around further lockdown restrictions. Public pressure is mounting though to limit the size of gatherings over the festive season -
• ICASA issues final invitation to apply for March spectrum auction after 3 months of consultation with industry players. The regulator planned to auction R8bn in 2021, but delays have bushed it into next year
• Unions express anger that public service salary negotiations and Eskom wage discussions have not been resolved in 2021, pushing them into 2022 with a ruling from arbitration proceedings expected soon.
  • 2022 wage negotiations are set to start in April with more headbutting on Eskom’s unbundling expected in the interim.